[A/N Hiya! It's been a while since I updated. Sorry bout that! Haven't been online much. =) Review please?]

His thoughts swirled as he ran, trying to find his friends. He brushed by everyone but not even one noticed Squall running past them in a quick blur as he pushed them aside.

Finally, he spotted a flash of bright yellow followed by the cry of "Booyaka!"

"Selphie!" He cried.

He ran there only to find Selphie, Irvine and Quistis. They were just standing around, talking.

"Quistis! Irvine..." He called out their names as he got there. First he was just greeted with blank, confused stares from his friends.

"...Um..." Selphie began uncertainly, then suddenly something brightened in her eyes. "Oh, Squall! Hiya!"
Quistis first stared at Squall and then her confused expression became a smile. "Squall."

"Hey, Squall." Irvine said his name as if he wasn't sure how to pronounce it.

Hyne, is Area actually doing something? It was like they didn't even know me!

"...Why do you look so confused?" He asked them. "It was like you didn't even know me."
No one spoke. They just looked even more upset and blank.

"What are you talking about, Squall?" Quistis asked him.
He just shrugged. He didn't really want to discuss about Area at that moment even if he knew he should.

"Miss Trepe!" Someone called out Quistis' name urgently from the crowds. "Miss Trepe!"

It was a young girl, probably one of Quistis' students from before.

"Yes, Carmi?" Quistis asked, she probably did know this girl.

"Dr. Kadowaki said to call you and tell you to get to the Infirmary as soon as possible!" She said. "She said something about... Um... Se... Someone..." She struggled to remember what she was supposed to tell Quistis.

"Seifer?!" Quistis asked, shocked.

"That's it! She said to get there right away." Carmi repeated.

"Thank you, Irieda." Quistis said then hurried to the Infirmary. Irvine, Squall and Selphie trailed after her trying to catch up.

"Quistis, wait up!" Selphie called and quickened her pace.

"Have to hurry!" Quistis muttered.
"Wait up!" Selphie called again.

"Dr. Kadowaki!" Quistis said urgently as she pushed open the door of the Infirmary.

"Quistis. Finally you get here." Dr. Kadowaki said calmly.

"What is it? Is it good or bad news?" She asked her, panicked. Selphie, Irvine and Squall appeared behind her, in a bunch.

"Well..." The doctor began. "It's both."
"What do you mean?" Quistis asked, disappointed.

"Let me explain in more detail." Dr. Kadowaki said softly then paused. "Seifer woke up, perhaps an hour ago. I didn't even notice it because..."
"What?" Quistis whispered.

"He didn't make a sound. None at all. He didn't even get up from the bed or call me or anything." Dr. Kadowaki sighed. "He seems fine but he's not paying attention to anyone and he doesn't look like he recognizes anything. It's like he doesn't see anyone there." She shook her head.
Quistis didn't say anything yet until finally, in a whisper she spoke. "At least he did wake up..." She looked forlorn. "I can... I can see him right?"
Dr. Kadowaki bit her lip. "Well..."

"Please, Dr. Kadowaki. I need to see him." Quistis told her.

The doctor nodded, even though reluctantly. "Try not to be disappointed if he doesn't pay attention to you.""

"I'd like to see as well." Squall spoke up.

Quistis nodded and slowly entered. Only Squall followed behind her.

The moment she saw him she gasped quietly.

Seifer was sitting up in bed and his green eyes were dark and blank. His expression was empty and he was just looking at the wall but he looked like he was just looking at the darkness.

Quistis sat down beside him slowly and softly.
"Seifer..." She whispered. He made no sign or reaction upon hearing Quistis call his name.

Quistis sighed and after a minute or two touched his cheek gently and tenderly, like she was afraid of hurting him. He didn't say anything but Squall saw something in his dark eyes brighten. Then he just stared at her.

Quistis sighed and tried to smile.

"Well, at least he's awake." Squall said softly.

"Yes. I'm glad for that." Quistis said, a look of disappointment on her face since Seifer made no sign of recognizing her.

Then a painful sensation whispered into Squall's head. He grabbed at his forehead and groaned.

Quistis looked at him suddenly, her face showing concern.

His head continued to throb painfully and his world was spinning. He fell to his knees and faintly heard Quistis voice.

"Squall, are you okay?" She was asking already calling for Dr. Kadowaki.

No... I'm not.

He collapsed to the cold ground and darkness crept upon him.

Help...